Arkane Studios
Arkane Studios business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
007 First Light studio IOI facing layoffs as Xbox pulls funding for Project Fantasy RPG
Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision will lead to layoffs at the Hitman and 007 First Light developer. Xbox stated they are re-evaluating investments to focus on their highest priorities, though they maintain their overall investment in games remains the same.
Dishonored developer Arkane is reportedly one of five studios Microsoft is targeting to close down as part of its big 'reset'
Microsoft is reportedly considering closing down Arkane Studios, the developer of the Dishonored series and Marvel's Blade, as part of a major 'reset' plan for its Xbox division. Arkane is among five studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Undead Labs, whose futures are uncertain. The company is also planning significant layoffs, potentially affecting over 1,000 jobs, with cost-cutting measures impacting various parts of the division.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next project
Xbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.
Rumor Mill
A rumor suggests that Xbox is considering canceling its Blade game and potentially closing Arkane Studios. This news comes from The Verge, indicating significant internal shifts within Microsoft's gaming division.
Marvel’s Blade Could Be Cancelled as Xbox Considers Shutting Down Arkane Studios – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is considering cancelling Marvel's Blade and potentially closing Arkane Studios in Lyon due to budget concerns and impending layoffs. Other studios like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs are also reportedly on the chopping block, with potential layoffs extending to id Software and Blizzard Entertainment.
Xbox layoff plans reportedly include closing Arkane, canceling Blade
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs starting next week, which may include the closure of Arkane Studios and the cancellation of the Blade game. These cuts are part of a broader restructuring within the company.
Microsoft reportedly add Arkane and their Blade game to the potential shuttering pile
Microsoft is reportedly considering shutting down Arkane Studios and canceling the Blade game, with potential layoffs affecting up to 1000 employees across Xbox. Other studios like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are also rumored to be on the chopping block. The company is also reportedly divesting its partnership with IO Interactive on Project Fantasy.
Microsoft Considering Cancelling Blade And Selling Arkane
Microsoft is reportedly considering cancelling the game Marvel's Blade and potentially selling Arkane Studios amidst widespread layoffs. The future of Arkane's Blade project, announced in 2023, is uncertain as the company undergoes significant restructuring.
Xbox could cancel Marvel's Blade and close Arkane in July bloodbath, report says, or the studio may be sold off
Xbox is reportedly considering closing or selling Arkane Studios and canceling its game Marvel's Blade due to budget and release date issues. This is part of a larger wave of layoffs expected in July as Microsoft aims to cut costs. Other studios like Arkane Austin and Compulsion Games have also faced closures or struggles.
Report: Xbox considering sale or closure of Arkane, other studios, as layoffs loom
A report suggests Xbox is considering selling or closing several studios, including Arkane Studios, Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, as part of a major 'reset' under new CEO Asha Sharma. The upcoming game 'Blade' is reportedly over budget and may be canceled. Mass layoffs affecting over a thousand roles are also anticipated across Xbox in early July, following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Microsoft Could Cancel Marvel’s Blade And Close Its Developer
Microsoft is reportedly considering cancelling the upcoming Marvel's Blade game and potentially closing its developer, Arkane Studios. The game, originally slated for 2026 but delayed to late 2027 and over budget, has not had gameplay footage released since its 2023 announcement. This potential closure is part of broader plans for studio restructuring and layoffs within Xbox, which are expected to begin in July.
Microsoft Reportedly Considering Canceling Marvel's Blade and Shutting Arkane Down
Microsoft is reportedly considering canceling the development of Marvel's Blade and potentially shutting down its developer, Arkane Studios. This news comes amid broader industry trends of project cancellations and studio closures.
I picked out 31 must-play games going for $5 or less in the Steam Summer Sale
This article highlights 31 must-play games available for $5 or less during the Steam Summer Sale. The curated list includes a variety of genres such as RPGs and first-person shooters, with many titles developed by well-known studios like Larian and BioWare.
Bethesda’s Todd Howard Says Arkane is “Doing a Really, Really Good Job” With Marvel’s Blade
Bethesda's Todd Howard stated that Arkane Studios is making significant progress on Marvel's Blade, expressing optimism about the upcoming vampire-slaying game. While a release window remains unannounced, Howard's recent comments suggest development is proceeding well despite potential industry-wide layoffs.
Bethesda Boss Todd Howard Saw Marvel's Blade in May, Says Arkane 'Doing a Really, Really Great Job'
Bethesda Game Studios head Todd Howard provided an update on Marvel's Blade, stating that Arkane Studios is making significant progress. Howard recently saw a build of the game in May and expressed confidence in Arkane's work.
Dishonored review (2012)
This 2012 review praises Dishonored as a gorgeous, complex, and slick assassination simulation with fascinating systems and huge open levels. It highlights the game's freedom in approaching objectives, its unique steampunk-inspired world of Dunwall, and the effectiveness of its stealth mechanics and supernatural powers like Blink. Despite some criticisms regarding its narrative direction and the limitations of non-lethal playstyles, the game is lauded for its depth, aesthetic flair, and PC-specific features.
Report: Redundancies at Microsoft owned Zenimax have begun
Microsoft has reportedly begun significant layoffs and studio closures within its Zenimax Media division, which includes Bethesda, id Software, and Arkane Studios. Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine Productions are also facing potential shutdowns. This news follows recent announcements about Xbox game exclusivity and a reported decline in profitability, indicating a major business reset for the brand.
Games Inbox: Is Xbox worth saving?
This article discusses the uncertain future of Xbox, with readers expressing concern over potential studio closures and a lack of innovation. The piece contrasts Xbox's current strategy with past industry practices of companies like Electronic Arts and questions whether Xbox deserves to be saved given its perceived mismanagement and impact on developers.
Saros Developer’s Next Title “Might Not Be At That Scale,” As It’s Grown to Nearly 120 Staff
Housemarque, known for Saros on PlayStation 5, is discussing its future projects, which may not be on the same scale as their latest title due to the studio's growth to nearly 120 staff. Studio head Ilari Kuittinen noted the challenges of managing larger teams for bigger experiences. The studio is also focused on supporting Saros based on community feedback, while exploring new opportunities that might be less ambitious.
Multiple Xbox Studios Reportedly In Active Negotiations With Microsoft To Avoid Closure
Multiple Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine, are reportedly in active negotiations with Microsoft to avoid closure. Some studios may be given the opportunity to go independent or find a new buyer. Employees at Ninja Theory have been informed of potential closure, and Arkane Studios is also reportedly concerned about its future.
